MBTI® Introduction

OKA© 2004

�� The outer-directed, people-oriented energy(Extraversion) of the ENTJ gives them a basic socialalertness. They prefer to translate that alertness intopossibilities, meanings, and connections (iNtuition) asthey deal with their perceptions of events. Thoseperceptions are then dealt with objectively (Thinking),helping to create a vision, a strategy, or complexsystem that will move the organization, family orrelationship towards its goal. The ENTJ’s need forclosure, structure, and accountability (Judging) makessure that visions, strategies, and systems are not left onthe drawing board or lost to some abstract inspiration.With ENTJs, these are more likely to become finishedproducts. As a result, it’s an onward-and-upward, over-and-over-again kind of existence for all within theENTJ’s sphere of influence.

Learning and Communication Style�� Likes theory and ideas and driving these toward

competent and logical solutions in the world

�� Valued communication will tend to be intellectuallyinsightful, objective, straightforward and clear

�� Important dynamics are external, observable andoften articulated

�� Talking out ideas, problems and solutions isenergizing—and even exciting

�� Prefers engaging with others to working alone

Problem Solving and Stress�� Driven to structure, closure and order, this type—above any—orients itself to solving problems, meetingthem, whether internal or external, with clarity, logicalargumentation and seemingly clear direction. Soundingcertain, even in uncertainty, is a benefit that canbackfire on this type by communicating direction andconclusion even when none is intended. ENTJs areoften gifted at managing outcomes, completing tasksand driving toward compliance and conclusion.

�� This type can feel stress and irritation in situationswhere they are incompetent or they are made to sufferthe incompetence of someone else. ENTJs can alsostruggle with the processing and sharing of personalfeelings—their own and those of others with whomthey work, love and live.

Values�� This is a highly conceptual type, prizing individualcontribution, complex thought and insight. This typemay often seem to be operating on a separate,independent track—pushing for improvement, clarityand ever-sharper standards of competency andachievement

�� Sensitive to incompetence, this type will likely becompetitive and demanding, driving self and otherstoward change and improvement—sometimes at thecost of interpersonal harmony or group unity

�� This type tends to be authority independent—questioning, and even doubting, the authority ofhierarchical structures, titles, procedures, traditionsand the will of the group

Workplace Contribution:�� Intellectually inspires and challenges everyonethrough hard charging arguments and action toexperience a vision and to move toward its fulfillmentwith dispatch

Leadership Qualities:�� Is task-driven and demanding with a motivationalspin for everyone to get on board and move towardachieving the goal

Team Spirit:�� Teams can be good and do provide opportunitiesfor more involvement as long as the task is completedand the group’s process does not slow or water downthe vision

ENTJ - Life’s Natural Leaders

Pathway to Professional Growth:

ENTJs must learn to allow time for others to developat their own pace and commitment.